The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court has heard that Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and his co-accused Tobias Matonhodze allegedly paid a shooting victim to remain silent.
According to testimony, 23-year-old Sipho Mahlangu, who was shot twice in the back at the Mugabe family’s Hyde Park residence in February, received R250,000 in cash along with a promise of a further R150,000.
Investigating officer Raj Ramchunder told the court that the total amount offered was R400,000, and that Mahlangu had confirmed receiving part of the payment.
Ramchunder distanced himself from the arrangement and urged the court to impose a strict sentence.
Mugabe, 28, and Matonhodze, 33, appeared in court for sentencing proceedings, which have been postponed to next week. Both men previously entered guilty pleas on multiple charges.
Mugabe admitted to pointing a firearm and being in the country illegally, while Matonhodze pleaded guilty to attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm and contravening immigration laws.
Defence counsel argued for a lenient sentence, indicating that both accused are able to pay fines or additional reparations and would be willing to cover the costs of their deportation.
However, the State opposed this, highlighting the accused’s failure to assist authorities in locating the firearm used in the shooting, which remains missing.
Mahlangu was injured during a confrontation at the Hyde Park property while attempting to flee and was hospitalised in critical condition.
The case has drawn renewed attention due to the Mugabe family’s previous legal controversies, including an incident involving former first lady Grace Mugabe in Johannesburg in 2017.
The matter is expected to return to court next week for continuation of sentencing proceedings.
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